The Athletic NBA Daily Pacers and Pistons Season Preview
Sep 5, 2025
Caitlin Cooper, creator of Basketball She Wrote, delves into the Indiana Pacers' season, discussing the impact of Tyrese Haliburton's injury and how players like Andrew Nembhard may need to step up. She highlights expected changes in team strategy and key player roles. Hunter Patterson, a writer for The Athletic, shares insights on the Detroit Pistons, focusing on new acquisitions like Karis LeVert and Duncan Robinson, and the development of young talents like Jaden Ivey and Cade Cunningham as they aim for a promising future.
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Halliburton Injury Cuts Team Ceiling
- Tyrese Halliburton's Achilles injury is the single most impactful change for the Pacers this offseason.
- Losing his on-court gravity reduces the team's ceiling even if they remain a good roster.
Nembhard Can Run Offense — With Limits
- Andrew Nembhard already played major lead-ball roles when Tyrese was limited, showing he can handle increased playmaking duties.
- But increased offensive load and tough defensive assignments risk burning him out late in games.
Use Mathurin To Free Shooters
- Start Benedict Mathurin to create easier defensive matchups for Aaron Nesmith and free Aaron to take more catch-and-shoot threes.
- Use Mathurin to get downhill and exploit switches to relieve Andrew and Aaron.